The Classics department offers Latin, Classical Greek and Classical Civilisation to A Level. We adopt a lively and colourful approach to our teaching without sacrificing any of the rigour.

The Maynard School values the importance of Classical subjects and sees the study of Latin as an important foundation for the understanding of grammatical structure and an invaluable support for the learning of modern languages. Consequently, all students study Latin for three years, starting in U3 (Year 7) and continue through to U4 (Year 9). During these years, students cover the basic and intermediate elements of the language in preparation to take GCSE if they wish to do so. Classical Greek is offered at U4 (Year 9) to students who wish to study it as an optional extra.

There is a strong interest in both Latin and Greek at GCSE and students regularly continue with these subjects to AS and A2. During their sixth-form study, students develop their understanding and appreciation of original authors, in both verse and prose. Alongside the language-based course, we also offer Classical Civilisation at AS and A2 where students have the opportunity to study Greek and Roman Epic and Greek Tragedy in English, as well as learning about Greek Art and Architecture.

The department appreciates and values the classical languages which can offer students a fruitful challenge, and our students always gain an understanding and appreciation of Western culture from their study of the Ancient World. We also feel that it is important to give students opportunities to witness the legacy of their Classical heritage. The department continues to have close ties with the Department of Classics at the University of Exeter. Our students attend the Classical Association's Schools' Day held at the university which invites school students to listen to professors and lecturers speak on GCSE and AS topics currently being studied. We also hold a Roman-style Banquet for girls studying Latin at L4, and the department makes trips to the British museum as well as a variety of Roman sites in Britain, including Bath. We also organise regular visits to the major Classical sites in Italy and Greece which are very popular and the students find to be great fun. Our next trip will see girls journey to Greece in 2012, visiting famous sites in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Pylos and Mycenae.